Thursday, October 8, 2009, Murrells Inlet – Only a few weeks have passed since Fontinello’s moved a little north, and now The Studio Café has moved north into the former Fontinello’s site.

 

Chef/proprietor Charlie Ghannam is opening the doors at 7 a.m. today in his new larger spot, which has about double the amount of seating than his former location in the Litchfield Exchange. The space was made stylish by Kim Amadeo of Fontinello’s, and while the décor is similar for The Studio Café, a few pieces of furniture and fabrics lend it a more cozy and home-style atmosphere.

 

Much art created by local artists is throughout the restaurant and is available for purchase.

 

The breakfast menu has prices ranging from 95 cents for two pieces of toast, to $7.50 for Banana Nut Flapjacks with eggs and a choice of bacon or sausage. Between those points are egg plates, pork chops, steak and eggs, breakfast sandwiches on bread or bagels, French toast, sausage gravy and biscuits and a variety of omelets.

 

A couple of especially interesting selections are the Fruit Omelet with apples, grapes, bananas and vanilla yogurt; and The Starving Artist special for $6.95 that includes two eggs, bacon or sausage, grits or home fries, pancakes or French toast or biscuits with gravy, and toast.

 

For lunch the menu lists hoagies and sub, burgers, sandwiches and wraps, and seven salads including Taco Salad, Antipasto Salad and Cobb Salad.

 

Chef Charlie’s house specials are Crab Cake, Tilapia, French Dip, Ham and Turkey Club Croissant, and Quesadillas.

 

On the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, “Jack B and She” perform live from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The chef creates a special menu of entrees with prices aimed at two people dining for $20 to $30. The evenings have a large number of devoted fans who get up and dance and make these events fun parties. The restaurant does not have a liquor license, so those who want cocktails are invited to bring their own adult beverages for these special Wednesday night affairs.

 

The new Studio Café is at 5341 U.S. 17 Bypass, which is just north of the U.S. 17 Bypass/Business merge on the south end of Murrells Inlet. The new phone number is (843) 651-7877, and the restaurant's regular hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.